On Thursday, the California Assembly voted down a resolution that would have honored Hollywood legend John Wayne with a special day of recognition. The cowboy superstar was once one of America’s most beloved screen icons, but his brand of uncompromising patriotism has long since fallen out of favor – especially in concentrated liberal hotspots like the left coast. Today, all these Democrats see when they look at The Duke is a system of beliefs that stand contrary to everything they are fighting to achieve.

Of course, they can’t come right out and say that. The left has pulled this country far from the values that made America unique and wonderful, but they haven’t quite erased all of it. If they were to go after Wayne’s legacy the way they really want to, there would be a significant backlash from Americans who still cling to those “old-fashioned” notions of manliness, individuality, and love of country. So instead they are using their tried-and-true game plan.

“He had disturbing views towards race,” said Assemblyman Luis Alejo.

To prop up his argument, Alejo pointed to a 1971 Playboy interview in which Wayne said:

“I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don’t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people.”

When finally put to a vote, the resolution was defeated 35-20.

Few will leap to defend Wayne’s comments, and liberals know this. That’s why they use this tactic. They have created an environment where a lifetime of honor and decency can be overshadowed by a single sentence. At will, they can destroy a person’s reputation, knowing that the boundaries of political correctness will keep their enemies in line.

It’s interesting that this would happen now, because it speaks to what it is about Donald Trump that so many Americans are responding to. Wayne – much like another Hollywood actor who would one day be president – embodied the “America First” principle that Trump is running on. When Wayne talked about American exceptionalism, he did so unapologetically. He wasn’t ashamed to be a man. He didn’t spend any time wringing his hands over the country’s missteps and misdeeds.

Wayne wasn’t perfect. Neither was Reagan. Neither is Trump. To demand perfection from our heroes is to be disappointed every time.

But the left doesn’t care about perfection. And they don’t give a damn about some racist comment Wayne made in 1971. They are on a mission to tear down the heroes of old and replace them with a new slate of idols. Throw out Columbus and replace him with Caitlyn Jenner – a true pioneer! Throw out Robert E. Lee and replace him with Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood! Throw out John Wayne and replace him with Michael Brown!